Heroes, lovers, the happy and rejected meet on a magic island. Confusing triangle constellations and motives from Ariosto’s epos ...

Heroes, lovers, the happy and rejected meet on a magic island. Confusing triangle constellations and motives from Ariosto’s epos merge in Vivaldi’s score, bringing about a turbulent dance of love in whose midst stand the raving knight Orlando and sorceress Alcina. The knight loves Angelica, who loves Medoro and who enlists Alcina’s help to try and shake off Orlando. Alcina, always on the look out for a man, uses her magical powers to seduce Ruggiero, Bradamante’s husband. Bradamante manages to break the spell and everyone gangs up on Alcina. Anglica and Medoro’s love for one another sends Orlando into such a terrible rage that it destroys Alcina’s power.Orlando furioso, with its unconventional dramaturgy and expressive music, is one of Vivaldi’s most important operas. The extraordinary turns that are taken in interwoven love stories are depicted with new musical methods. Director David Bösch, making his debut in Frankfurt, turned this nearly 300 year old baroque opera into a funny, cheeky evening with some serious and very sad moments.

Synopsis

On the sorceress Alcina’s magic island are: Orlando, in love with Princess Angelica, who is in love with Medoro – they have becom ...

On the sorceress Alcina’s magic island are: Orlando, in love with Princess Angelica, who is in love with Medoro – they have become separated in trying to escape Orlando’s wrath - Ruggiero, Bradamante, Ruggiero’s wife who is searching for him and Astolfo, Orlando’s cousin.Auf der Zauberinsel von Alcina treffen sich alle: Helden, Liebespaare, Glückliche und Abgewiesene. Orlando liebt Angelica. Doch si ... Alcina promises to help Angelica find Medoro. Orlando was told that the only way he could find happiness was to get hold of the urn containing Merlin’s ashes which is guarded by Alcina. He meets his cousin Astolfo, whose love for Alcina is not returned. Angelica and Medoro are reunited. Orlando is furious. Alcina tells him that Medoro is Angelica’s brother and that it is Orlando that Angelica loves. Alcina gives Ruggiero a magic potion to make him love her and forget his Bradamante, who witnesses everything. Alcina has fallen victim to her own magic – she really does love Ruggiero – her magic powers begin to fade. Bradamante’s ring brings Ruggiero to his senses. Angelica tries to put Orlando’s life in danger but he survives. When he finds out that Angelica and Medoro have married he loses his mind completely. Astolfo, livid about Alcina’s love for Ruggiero, attempts to destroy the island. Bradamante takes revenge by dressing as a man and seducing Alcina. Orlando, now quite insane, accuses everybody of being unfaithful. Alcina’s kingdom desolves. Happy End!